10 Pediatrician Approved Baby Registry Must-Haves

Meet the Doc

Dr. Tanya Altmann, an L.A.-based pediatrician and associate medical editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Caring For Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5,” is also a mom of three boys. She shared with us some of her favorite baby registry picks, including those that she currently uses with her newest addition.

Ergo Baby

Ergobaby 360 Baby Carrier

Featuring four safe, ergonomic carry positions—front-inward, front-outward, hip and back—the Ergobaby 360-degree carrier allows baby to sit comfortably in the structured bucket seat with his or her spine in an optimal “C” position. The supportive wide waistband and padded shoulder straps evenly distribute baby’s weight to ensure parents’ comfort, while the sleeping hood supports baby’s head and protects it from the sun. Suitable for babies weighing 7 to 33 pounds, the revolutionary baby carrier is made of 100 percent cotton and is machine washable. ($160, Ergo Baby)

Dr. Altmann: “Parents may not use [the ErgoBaby 360 Baby Carrier] initially, but they will eventually need and love [it].”

KicKee Pants

KicKee Pants Applique Coverall

Family owned and operated, KicKee Pants offers comfort in their versatile, yet adorable, clothing that is made of eco-friendly bamboo, which only gets softer with each wash. This sweet Applique Coverall in the Lotus Cookie design—available in sizes preemie through 24 months—features an easy snap-back flap that allows baby to stay fully dressed during the diaper changing process. ($34, KicKee Pants)

Dr. Altmann: “You do need…sleepers that snap all the way up; that way you can just unsnap the bottom to change a diaper, and baby won’t get cold. KicKee Pants’ clothes are super cute and soft.”

Dr. Altmann: “I can pump directly into the bottles; my son takes it well; and it’s [both] easy to use and clean.”

Buy Buy Baby

BRITAX B-Safe Infant Car Seat

The five-point harness, side impact protection and energy-absorbing foam liner of the B-Safe car seat will keep baby safe, while the adjustable base with five different positions will keep baby comfortable. Compatible with all Britax B-Series strollers, this seat accommodates babies weighing 4 to 30 pounds and measuring 32 inches or less and features an ergonomic handle to make carrying a breeze. ($170.99, Buy Buy Baby)

Dr. Altmann: “A safe car seat that is easy to install rear facing in your back seat is a must have to take the baby safely home from the hospital.”

Walmart.com

Braun No Touch and Forehead Thermometer

This revolutionary, dual technology thermometer allows you to get a precise, 2-second temperature reading, even when baby’s sleeping, either in touch mode—by placing it on the forehead—or no-touch mode—by holding it in front of the forehead up to 5-centimeters away. ($55.97, Walmart.com)

Dr. Altmann: “[It’s] an accurate, easy to use thermometer that takes the stress out of the…trying process. It also has a silent option to avoid disrupting your baby.”

Philips Store

AVENT Soothie Pacifier

More than 2,000 U.S. hospitals supply this BPA-free pacifier to soothe newborns in the nursery. It’s designed to ensure natural development of baby’s teeth and gums. Available in two sizes—0-3 months and 3+ months—the one-piece construction of the Soothie adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines. ($2.99, Philips Store)

Dr. Altmann: “The green Soothie paci…is my favorite. Research shows that putting your baby to bed with a paci can decrease the risk of SIDS.”

Amazon

“Goodnight Moon” Board Book

Considered a classic children’s bedtime story, this 32-page hardcover book tells the rhyming tale of a little bunny tucked in bed within a great, green room. Written by Margaret Wise Brown and originally published in 1947, “Goodnight Moon” has been translated into a dozen different languages. ($6.99, Amazon)

Orbit G3 Stroller with G3 Bassinet

A celebrity favorite, the G3 stroller features patented QuadShock front stroller suspension and rubber rear tires to provide the smoothest ride for baby, plus easy one-handed folding for you. The G3 Bassinet attachment—safe for infants up to 20 pounds—is made of non-toxic orbitgreen fabric and features a UV sunshade with extension to block out harmful rays and prying eyes. ($500 for stroller base, Orbit Baby; and $200 for bassinet, Orbit Baby)

Dr. Altmann: “I love that [my baby] can nap on a flat surface and get fresh air while I get exercise.”

Philips Store

AVENT Baby Bottle to First Sippy Cup

Appropriate for babies 4 months and older, the 4-ounce, BPA-free bottle features an interchangeable soft spout and removable easy grip handles to help baby learn to transition easily from bottle to cup. ($7.99, Philips Store)

Dr. Altmann: “The sippy cup spout fits directly in the bottle O ring, so you can easily wean [off] the bottle and transition to a sippy cup.”

Buy Buy Baby

Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper

The Swivel Sleeper, which rotates 360 degrees, brings baby close to you for peace of mind, while securely offering a safe night’s sleep for you both. Recommended for babies up to 5 months or 20 pounds, the bassinet features a stable base that adjusts to fit most beds 22 to 34 inches in height, as well as mesh walls that allow maximum breathability and a side wall that can lower for accessibility. ($219.99, Buy Buy Baby)

Dr. Altmann: “Baby can sleep in my room, but in his own safe sleep space.”